Herbert Armstrong's Tangled Web of Corrupt Leaders

Saturday, January 8, 2022

Sheldon Monson Disfellowships and Mark's Own Family Member

 



Trouble is already brewing in the Church of God Assembly with Sheldon Monson disfellowshipping his own family member.

The biggest blessing a COG member could ever receive is to be disfellowshipped from the COG. The day that happens you are free from the madness that is the COG.


Church of God Assembly 

Sheldon C. Monson, Pastor, announced 8th of January 2022: 
 
We are saddened to announce that Daryl Monson has been marked for cause. We pray he will repent and change soon so that he can be restored to fellowship and membership in the Church.
According to Scripture an individual must be “marked” for causing strife or division among members because not doing so will destroy the faith of others. 
 
Romans 16:17 states: “Now I beseech you brethren, Mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned and avoid them.” COGNews

UCG New Three Year Plan Is To Speak Truth In Love...

 


Those fun boys in Cincinnati are on a roll!

Presentation of 3-year Strategic Plan Review—John Miller & Brian Shaw 
 
In August 2021, the COE tasked the Strategic Planning and Finance Committee (SPFC) to develop Paul’s appeal to the Ephesians to “speak the truth in love” and incorporate that concept into the major update of the Strategic Plan that was due for the 2022–2023 fiscal year. The SPFC has been working on the updated Strategic Plan for the past two months. The Council presented this updated Strategic Plan to the administration for about three hours. 
 
We value our responsibility to preach the gospel, make disciples and prepare a people. To accomplish that responsibility, we must plumb the depths of the Word of God and live it out in the Spirit of God. In summary—Truth in Love. 

Wut? A COG speaking truth in love? 

Truth in Love is, in essence, who we are and how we do what we do. It is about much more than just “speaking the truth in love.” Ephesians maps out a path that leads to becoming like Him. It provides a framework to organize and focus “The Work” of the Church. 
 
The SPFC took up the challenge, with the approval of the COE, to incorporate these elements into the update of the 2022-2023 Strategic and Operation Plan. This Strategic Plan builds on the work of those who have gone before, but we believe it brings a new level of clarity, detail and focus to outcomes-based planning and makes it Scripture Centric. 
 
We all desire to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much” (Matthew:25:23, ESV). The Strategic and Operation Plan does not ignore the “small things” (Zechariah:4:10), but keeps the overall Vision and Mission in focus. 
 
We acknowledge that not everything in a work that is both human and divine can be planned, documented and measured. However, we can and should implement, measure, evaluate and continuously improve everything we can with the resources God has so generously supplied. This plan is intended to be a living document that can, and will, be updated each year. 
 
The Council unanimously approved, by consent without resolution, to continue with this Strategic Plan and for the administration to use the framework provided to prepare the Operating Plan and Budget that will be presented to the Council at the February meetings.

As for preaching "truth in love" and how much of an impact thay are making after 25 years of existence, there's this:

Peter Eddington went through some of the following statistics as of November 30 this year: 
 
United News circulation is currently at 18,449, which is 2.8% more than this time last year and just below our all-time high of 18,475 reached for the September 2021 issue. 
 
Our coworker count is now at 8,799 (16% higher than the same time last year) and just below our all-time high from October 2021 of 8,809.

Our donor list now includes 10,599 people—12.9% higher than this time last year. (Our all-time high was 10,834 in June of 2021.)

Donors combined with our coworkers is now 19,398 (14% more than same time last year).

Total Beyond Today magazine circulation worldwide is at 327,229 for the Nov.-Dec. 2021 issue—which is 9.2% more than the same time last year and the highest since 2008.
U.S. magazine subscribers are at 279,406 for the Nov.-Dec. 2021 issue. This is 12.3% more than the same time last year and the highest since 2008.

Those people on our U.S. file associated with the Church (teens, members, associated) as of November 30 is 12,112.


Thursday, January 6, 2022

LCG: Members need to get their focus off themselves and onto the kingdom

 



Are you too busy enjoying life, having fun with your family, traveling, visiting with friends? If you are then you are not 100% focused upon Living Church of God's commission. After all, LCG has been warning the world about their commission for 25 years now, and if you are here in LA, no one even knows what that commission is.

LCG members need to have their focus upon a kingdom to come where they will be kings and priests and rule over the masses with power and glory as they are coequal with Jesus since they will then be gods, just like Jesus.


Redeeming the Time: The Apostle Paul urged brethren in Ephesus to consider God’s will, live with a purpose, and make the most of every opportunity to become more like Jesus Christ—“because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15–16). Ephesus was a bustling port city, home of the great pagan temple of Diana, and filled with temptations for Christians. Jesus also warned believers against being sidetracked from spiritual goals by the “cares of this world”—the pursuit of money, material things, and fame (Matthew 13:22). As Christians living in the latter days, we have a commission to warn the world of a coming judgment, to preach the Gospel of the coming Kingdom of God (Matthew 24), and to prepare for future roles in that Kingdom (Revelation 5:10; Isaiah 30:20–21). Let’s put our hearts into this mission and come out of this world—and take advantage of the opportunity we have been given to grow to become more like Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
Have a profitable Sabbath, Douglas S. Winnail

Gerald Weston: Is It Wrong To Have Ex Members As Friends?

 

Imagine being a friend of an LCG member after having left the church or having a friend who left the church and have to read this kind of tripe. Apparently leaving the one true faith is a sign of rebellion and witchcraft. Now we know why Bob Thiel is such a problem! His rebellion and lying tongue are a sign of witchcraft. Who knew!

Prioritize Your Loyalty

In the case of Romans, Paul’s address is to the brethren—believers as a body. The New King James Version carries the sense of taking note. Paul mentions no one in particular—just to take note of anyone causing division and avoid them. Certainly, it is best for the Church to make that determination and make members aware when they might not fully understand something. But, as in Corinth, there is also personal responsibility placed on the membership. When you see someone who claims to be a brother or sister in Christ causing division or living an openly immoral life, avoid that person. God’s mind regarding divisive people is not obscure:

These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren(Proverbs 6:16–19).

And remember what God tells us about rebellion and stubbornness: “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry” (1 Samuel 15:23). If we understand these instructions, we realize that there are limits to friendship.

Jesus taught His disciples, “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you” (John 15:14). “A friend is a friend for life” is a sentiment that does not square with the Bible. The truth is that most friendships in this life are temporary. Circumstances and people change over time. Many close friends in the past are no longer close today, because they ceased sharing the interests and values that brought them together in the first place. Do we still remember them and care for them? Of course—but in the Church, we also recognize that basic question asked by the prophet Amos: “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” (Amos 3:3).

We should value friendship, but let us not allow our human reasoning and emotions to override important instructions from God. It is not a sin to have friends who have left our fellowship and see them at appropriate times—such as weddings, funerals, and other such events. But it can become a sin when we reject the biblical admonition to avoid those who live immoral lives or cause division. If you are a friend of God, you cannot be a friend of the world (James 4:4). Our loyalties must first and foremost be to our ultimate friend, Jesus Christ.


So, Jesus is LCG's "friend" now? They rarely speak of the guy and anything he accomplished or the New Covenant, but Jesus is their friend. Next, we will hear LCG adding new hymns to their song-book about Jesus being their boyfriend in five repeat stanzas.

Wednesday, January 5, 2022

Crackpot COG Prophet Claims He Did Not Start A New Church

 


It's another sunny day in California and the craziness out of Grover Beach continues unabated. One never knows what fantastical utterance with come from the lips of the most important Church of God leader in human history and the Great White Bwana to Africa and 305 Caucasians.

After getting called out for quoting too much from Herbert Armstrong, and making endless excuses as to why he does so, the Great Bwana said this:

We strive not to teach error and do not teach that what Herbert Armstrong wrote is not subject to correction. The Bible, not Herbert Armstrong, is the standard that we go by. 

The improperly named "continuing" Church of "god" is filled with so many erroneous errors that even Satan himself can't keep up with them!  Starting with his utter rebellion and hissy fit with Rod Meredith and the Living Church of God to his self-appointment due to a bunch of nightmares he had, there is nothing legitimate about this guy. 

Despite organization changes, successively and doctrinally we are NOT a new church. We teach Laying on of Hands succession from the apostles. We clearly trace our history from the Book of Acts to present. 

Herbert Armstrong would have kicked Bob's delicate ass to the curb so fast his flailing hands would never have caught him. Thiel is right up there with Pack and Flurry joining with them in direct rebellion against everything Herbert Armstrong taught. 

Therefore, we often quote Church of God leaders, not just from the New Testament, but also those from the second century A.D. to present. We do this to demonstrate the consistency of the doctrines of the true church as well as to show what “the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) was in the period immediately after the death of the last of the apostles.

When Bob Thiel says he follows the teachings of the things HWA supposedly restored, he is a liar. 

“Don’t simply believe me – Believe what the Bible really Teaches – Believe the Truth – Prove all things –Believe God!”

And I will take it one step further. Irrespective of how any may view the role that God has for me, unless I am directly quoting the Bible, or preface a statement to something of the effect of “thus saith the Lord,” I am NOT necessarily stating anything that is not subject to later correction. We who are truly part of the Church of God only accept as inspired the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament and no other document. Therefore, although other current and historical documents/articles/books/booklet/posts by various Church of God leaders throughout history often have value, as they generally also tend to contain personal opinion, we do not consider that any of them are on the same level as sacred scripture, and hence believe that they can contain error.

Never has the COG had such a snake in the grass prophet in its midst. Impotent to make a true prophecy, he weasels his way around everything making one excuse after another so that he cannot be pinned down.

Unable to come up with any real doctrines of his own he has to plagiarize everything HWA said, and more.

That being said, Herbert Armstrong’s writing style often conveys many points in an understandable manner. A manner that we do not feel that we must re-word. A manner which provides variety. Hence, he is quoted.

The Almost Arrested Bwana thinks that because he quotes HWA he is continuing those teachings. What balderdash, as HWA would say!

As mentioned before, he and/or the old Radio/Worldwide Church of God literature are quoted here is to show that certain points covered at COGwriter.com are consistent with the them. Hence, we truly are continuing those teachings. Teachings that groups outside the CCOG sometimes have forgotten or neglected to teach.

Remember Bob's main excuse when he apostatized from the Living Church of God and claimed that Meredith and the church failed to heed his correction and correct doctrines and teachings that he claimed were wrong? That's when he had his little fit and left resulting in Rod Meredith publicly rebuking him.

He is also pulling the same hissyfit with GotQuestions.com in its article about Armstrongism...which is spot on its description of Amrstrongism. The Great Bwana and end time Elijah tried to set them straight and they ignored him. The poor little guy just gets NO RESPECT!

Related to one, GotQuestions.com (who still has not corrected something I brought up about a year ago), we put together the following:

What is Armstrongism? Are Some Dismissive of Original Christianity?

The physical head of the old Radio/Worldwide Church of God was the late Herbert W. Armstrong. What he taught has been derided as “Armstrongism.” What were some of those teachings? Was the old Worldwide Church of God some type of weird cult or did it strive to contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints? Is “Armstrongism” improperly maligned and falsely described at GotQuestions.com? Are concepts such as the tribes of Israel, ‘soul sleep,’ and three resurrections unique to Herbert W. Armstrong or were they long part of original Nazarene Christianity? What about various holidays and Christianity? In this video, Dr. Thiel goes over his early experiences with “Armstrongism” as well as gives scriptures about persecutions that would affect Christians.

But, as a continuation of the true apostolic Church of God, we in the Continuing Church of God believe it is helpful to quote recent as well as ancient COG writers for their perspective and insight, as well as to show continuity. 
 
All who profess Christ should, “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). 
 
The reason that we quote the Bible and other COG leaders is to help show that we do.

There is nothing about Bob Thiel's little cult that "contend's earnestly for the faith which was once delivered" It is so far from 1st Century Christianity that the apostles would have rebuked him and cast him out of the church and then would have written an entire book about his heresy and rebellion. 

So when Bob says he did not start a new church he is lying to you. 


 

Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Zephaniah Says That You MUST Join A Certain COG Group


We are only into the 4th day of the new year and the craziness in splinterdom continues on in full force. COG self-appointed false prophets see 2022 as one more year closer to their tribulation they so much need to happen. They know that if it doesn't happen soon then they are up a manure creek without a paddle. Their god is an angry god just itching to wipe out two-thirds of humanity just to prove them right.

Never fear though, Zephaniah has the solution for us all. He says that we need to join the one and only true church in the end times.

“The prophet Zephaniah lived and wrote about 630 B.C.” (Armstrong HW. The Proof of the Bible, 1958) during the time of Josiah, king of Judah (Zephaniah 2:1). 
 
He had a message that most end time Christians do not understand. 
 
God inspired the Prophet Zephaniah to write the following:

1 Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together, O undesirable nation, (Zephaniah 2:1)

Do you understand what is being taught? 

Apparently not! So, this self-appointed false prophet is going to tell us! 

This is a command for end of the age Christians! 
 
Although it has certain misunderstandings, the Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary realized that the gathering together was intended for a religious group or assembly:

Zephaniah 2:1
Gather yourselves together – to a religious assembly, to avert the judgment by prayers, (Joel 2:16, “Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders,” etc.) (from Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1997, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Yes brethren you are COMMANDED to join the only true Church of God that is in existence today. 

So who is it that this god of the false prophet wants to gather together at the end of the age?

Who does God want to gather together? 
 
As stated before, the end of the age Christians. Notice what Jesus stated and something the Apostle Peter wrote:

19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (John 15:19, NKJV)
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10, KJV) 
 
This is a peculiar people. These are people who the world does not desire. These are Philadelphian Christians.

So what are these "Philadelphian Christians like that the self-appointed prophet describes when he is talking about his group exclusively? 

He expects us to believe that he and his followers are the meekest people on earth They are super humble and seek to do justice and above all, its leader is one of the highest recipients of integrity that can ever be bestowed upon a man. Never has the Church of God seen a more humble and meek man who is filled with so much integrity that even Jesus stands back in wonder and awe.

And it only gets worse...church members are to be so humble and meek that they will WILLINGLY accept the leadership of a certain low-level prophet to guide them since no apostle is presently leading the church! This also includes all who are in "independent" or non-aligned COG's or even those who stay home each week not associating with any physical group. You too MUST join the one and only true church and start tithing and attending its services.

See! I told you the craziness in splinterdom is off with a bang in the new year.

How do we know that Zephaniah 2:1-3 is related to Christians? Because the decree is for the end time and because of what else God inspired Zephaniah to write:

3 Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, Who have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility. (Zephaniah 2:3a) 
 
The above is a reference to Christians as they are to be the “meek of the earth” (Matthew 5:5) and to Philadelphians who “have upheld His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility.” These are Philadelphian Christians who understand that church leaders need to have integrity and be willing to be humble enough to accept the authority of a church led by a low-level prophet in the absence of a clear apostle (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11-15). They are humble enough to not think that they should remain ‘independent,’ as many who once were part of the old Worldwide Church of God, during this Laodicean time, have done. 
 
Do not allow yourself to accept the deception that you should be an independent Christian or one not truly truly part of the Philadelphian remnant.


This is such useless crap and a prime example of why placing one's faith in the hands of self-appointed Church of God leaders is dangerous spiritually and physically.

The crap just gets thicker and sicker:

Why have I written that Zephaniah 2:1-3 has to do with Philadelphian Christians?

Because they are the only ones who will actually ‘gather together’ as they should. 
 
Why? 
 
Because it is they who will lead the final phase of the work and it is only to the Philadelphians that Jesus promises to protect from the coming hour of trial, also referred to as the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord...

Only the true believers, those Philadelphians that so many think they are,  will be protected in a place of safety. Never content to let their faith in Christ lead them through any perilous times, they need to constantly be looking towards a physical place as their destination, one that was the figment of the minds of Loma and Herbert Armstrong, Dean Blackwell, Herman Hoeh, John Rittenbaugh, and other agents of endtime fear-mongering that birthed the current crop of raving lunatics currently leading COG's.

Our raving fool also claims that anyone OUTSIDE his group is NOT Philadelphian and will NOT be protected. It always amazes me how impotent and weak the god of the COG is.

Notice that the Philadelphians are doing the work of God, have kept God’s word, have not denied Christ’s name/authority, and are persevering in the truth. 
 
Yet, other churches around at the end, such as the remnants of Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) and Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) are not promised that protection. Nor are the many Laodiceans(Revelation 3:14-22)–even if they are somehow gathered together–as they have gathered together in places that Jesus did not wish them to. 
 
Are not all real Christians going to be protected?

No. The Book of Revelation is clear that after the Philadelphians are persecuted (cf. Daniel 7:25a; 11:29-36), they will flee to a place of protection, while the rest of the true Christians will not flee and then be subject to severe persecution...

Then, like clockwork, the self-appointed fool then says there will be scoffers ridiculing him and his little personality cult and will have absolutely NO IDEA when to flee to Petra:

If you are not with the group that is leading the final phase of the work will you really be able to flee if you wait until the last moment? While that may be remotely possible for some, remember that God inspired Zephaniah to admonish God’s people to ‘gather together…before the decree is issued.’ 
 
Most will discount this and many will scoff. Most COGs do not have any they consider to be a prophet, and those other than the CCOG who claim to, have prophets that have been proven to be false (e.g. PCG, CGPFKG, TPM).

Who in their right mind would want to spend 3 1/2 years in the desert with the almost arrested self-appointed false prophet!

Since no later than 2007 I have written that Zephaniah had to do with Philadelphians being ‘gathered together’ so that they would be protected from the coming trial that will hit the earth. 
 
We in the Continuing Church of God “have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19, KJV).” 
 
Should we not be “exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25)? 
 
We in the Continuing Church of God boldly teach the need for Philadelphians to be ‘gathering together’ today. Will you heed God’s instructions as the Prophet Zephaniah was inspired to write? Would you possibly like to be protected? If so, will you ‘gather together’?

There you have it! Pack your bags boys and girls as you will now be following this man with unabandoned joy and enthusiasm….





 


Monday, January 3, 2022

CGI’s Bill Watson: Pastor or Warlock?


 


CGI’s Bill Watson: Pastor or Warlock?

 

The Church of God International has published an astounding sermon by Bill Watson on their website. The message is titled, The Prayer of Imprecation. For those who may be unfamiliar with the term, a prayer of imprecation is an appeal to God to take down somebody or some organization (a part of Bill’s own adequate definition of the term). In other words, it is the equivalent of calling down a curse on someone or something – the opposite of requesting that someone or something be blessed. Hence, the thesis of Bill’s message is that not only is such a prayer appropriate, but he strongly implies that it may be time for Christians to start hurling curses at “wicked” folks.

Pastor Watson looks at the condition of the United States and the rest of the world and says that Christians should be imploring God to “stop the madness.” In the message, he talks about human trafficking and asks if it wouldn’t be appropriate for Christians to begin calling down curses on those who engage in the practice or cover it up. Likewise, he goes on to point out that the legalization of abortion has resulted in the “murder” of millions of babies and asks if we might not be justified in calling down God’s curse on Planned Parenthood. In a similar vein, Watson decries what he sees as the spread of Marxism within the United States; and we are left with the distinct impression that he would like to include the Democratic Party in this mix! Mr. Watson went on to decry the folks who are encroaching on our freedoms and are seeking to advance a globalist agenda. Finally, he concludes his message by offering his listeners several candidates for their consideration (like the United Nations, and the IMF).

Now, while many of us would readily agree with Bill’s consternation at the horrible state of affairs within the United States (and the world at large), I am left to wonder why he didn’t acknowledge the vehicle which Christ gave his followers to address such distress. You remember – the little recitation that most folks refer to as the Lord’s Prayer? Didn’t Christ instruct his followers to pray after this manner: “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven!” (Matthew 6:10)


To be fair, the pastor does give a passing reference to one of the numerous scriptures which absolutely forbid Christians from engaging in this kind of witchcraft. More specifically, he tells us that he is aware of what Paul wrote to Roman Christians on the subject. Hence, I think it’s probably appropriate to directly confront that scripture in this review. Paul wrote: “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.” (Romans 12:14) He went on to say: “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore, if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19-21) Mr. Watson tells us that he is aware of this, but he goes on to suggest that we wouldn’t be taking the action – that we’d be asking God to take action. And, if that reasoning sounds a little dubious to you, it did to me as well!

I was also wondering about a few pertinent remarks by Jesus Christ which did not appear in his message. I’m thinking about passages like this one from the gospel of Matthew: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you…” (Matthew 5:38-44) OR this one from the gospel according to Luke: “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.” (Luke 6:27-33)

Unfortunately, however, Mr. Watson ignored all of those scriptures and went straight to the book of Psalms to offer numerous instances of imprecatory prayers offered by King David. And, as we know, these prayers were offered to God when David was feeling threatened or persecuted by his enemies – or in some instances, when he was feeling angry or bitter toward them. In other words, none of these prayers are probably appropriate models for Christians to follow!

From there, Mr. Watson highlighted the really tuff statements that Christ made about the religious leaders of his day (the scribes, Pharisees and Sadducees) – calling them hypocrites and children of the Devil. Likewise, the pastor pointed out that the Apostle Paul twice stated in his letter to the saints of Galatia that anyone who preached a heretical gospel should be accursed. Unfortunately, Mr. Watson doesn’t appear to see any difference in calling someone out for false preaching and asking God to curse them. Many of us, however, do see a clear distinction between the two practices. 

Mr. Watson asks whether his audience might see a need for imprecation. Indeed, he suggests that it may become our duty as Christians to someday offer an imprecatory prayer. He continued: “I’m just saying: Are we bold? Are we brave? Are we courageous? If God’s church doesn’t change, you’re gonna get stepped on.” Really, Mr. Watson? When hasn’t the Church been stepped on? You asked whether or not it might ever be appropriate for God’s people to offer a prayer of imprecation. I’ve got an answer for you: NEVER!

 

Lonnie Hendrix


 

 

Sunday, January 2, 2022

Breaking in the new year, The Two Witnesses podcast presents: Episode #3 "Walk This Way"


 


Breaking in the new year, The Two Witnesses podcast presents: Episode #3 "Walk This Way"


If there was anything the Worldwide Church of God was really good at (besides collecting member tithes), it was telling members that they'd better Walk and Talk as the leader Herbert Armstrong and the ministry taught (but notably did not necessarily do themselves). In the specific case of the WCG, and in many of the splinters, members knew and know that they'd better toe the party line or they are to be expunged from the organization and most likely disfellowshipped, which means being estranged from their friends and acquaintances in the church.

This is one of the identifying features of any cult, and in this episode, the Two Witness hosts go through several characteristics that define a "cult", discussing how their own experiences demonstrate these characteristics being manifested in the WCG and its daughter churches. Certainly, many readers here will be able to relate to it.

In this episode, you'll also hear:

HWA railing against any sinful Jezebel-like women who would dare to put on makeup!

Rod Meredith screaming like a madman against what was apparently his favorite subject, sex and the "homosexual queers"!

HWA's obsession with his own importance, and his lackeys and worshippers who even now still lap it up.

Members being put in fear of not being able to escape to the "place of safety" in Petra when HWA gave the word.

Garner Ted Armstrong scaring baptized members by explaining that leaving the church is... the Unpardonable Sin!


At one point Witness Ralph tries to declare himself the new Apostle, but we're having none of that! :)

There's also a shout-out to John Trechak (RIP) that some may know from the once-published Ambassador Report, and another to this very blog, BannedByHWA.

With one more episode being planned after this one, this is the penultimate.  We hope interested listeners will find it worth their time, or at least fodder for further recollection or discussion.

Michael

Our Favorite Crackpot COG False Prophet Blasts Other False Prophets


 

Our very own COG false prophet is starting the year off with a bang as he denounces other false prophets for making stupid prophecies and predictions. They are all wrong in his sight, so he has to set them straight with his own false wishy-washy propehcy. It's wishy-washy because he doesn't have the testicular fortitude to make a real prediction or propehcy and stand by it with faith that his god will make it happen.

The Great Bwana to Africa and 305 Caucaisons wries:

Related to nearly every individual year beginning in 2008, I have denounced false prophets as well as those that speculated on each of those years as to the start of the Great Tribulation, as all who did so were much too close to that date/year for it to be possible. 
 
Consider, for example, that although some claimed that the blood moons in 2014 and 2015 may have marked the beginning, I correctly denounced that years ago (Blood Moons, Eclipses, and Prophecy; a related YouTube video is also available: Blood Moons, Prophecy, 2014, and 2015) and was proven right. I also denounced the so-called Shemitah year and the claimed devastation that was supposed to hit the world economy, etc. in late 2015 (see also 6000 years up and Jesus to return in 2016? and September ‘convergence’: a harbinger of potential disaster?), and again was right. On January 1, 2017, I blasted the idea of the claimed “Jubilee of 2017” would mark the end (see Can the Great Tribulation Start in 2017? Furthermore, I blasted the idea that the solar eclipse of August 21, 2017 (see Solar Eclipse and the Apocalypse) or Planet Nibiru would begin the tribulation or destroy the Earth (see Doomsayers: Planet Nibiru to destroy Planet Earth in four weeks). I also denounced the view that because of the formation of the tiny nation of Israel in 1948, that the Great Tribulation needed to start 70 years later, like in 2018 (watch Can the Great Tribulation begin in 2018?). Some wrongly claimed that something from the “Sabbatical Code” as well as a shemita-decree calculation or a message from Fatima predicted 2019 (see False ‘Great Tribulation’ predictions/calculations for 2019). Some pointed to astronomy and even John 20:20 as proof for 2020 as the beginning, but this was denounced as well (watch Could the Great Tribulation Begin in 2020?). Certain ones who claimed to be COG pointed to 2020 and/or 2021 were wrong (see PCG claims Revelation 17:12 prophecy can happen this year! James Malm wrong about 2021)and some pointed to Israel’s 1948 formation and the US presidential election in 2020 as pointing to 2021 (watch also 2021: The Great Tribulation or the Great Reset?)–which I also denounced.

Aren't we so fortunate to have such a ballsy prophet in our midst! We should all be thanking his creature god every day that we have the most theologically educated man that has ever graced this world since the day Adam was formed of the dirt in the ground.

The Great Bwana writes:

Now, a true prophet of God realizes that any who claim prior to 2025 are in error. There is NO possibility that the Great Tribulation will begin in 2022, 2023 or 2024 nor that Jesus will return before 2028.

Whew! Party time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After posting a lot of fear-based crap that COG members like to cling to as secular proof trouble is with us and the end is nigh, the Great Bwana writes:

Therefore, even though the Great Tribulation is coming soon, it will not begin in 2022. 
 
Christians, Philadelphian ones, are to understand Jesus said tribulation-related events tie in with Daniel. Yet, most who profess Christ do not fully get it. Anyway, after Daniel 11:31 and the fleeing (Matthew 24:15; Revelation 12:14-17), the Great Tribulation begins:

21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. (Matthew 24:21-22) 
 
This cannot possibly happen before 2025 and I currently doubt believe the Great Tribulation can start before 2026.

Oh great! Four more years of weaseling his way with prophecy addiction and scaring his African's that the ends nigh. Come 2026 and the Great Bwana will shift his date once again.

PCG Claims To Be Debt Free

 

Imagine bragging such a thing when all of your money comes from the pockets of church members guilt-tripped into tithing and giving as much money as they can just so Gerald Flurry and his spawn can fly around the world at the church members expense preaching heresy and paying for Flurry's grandchildren to dance Celtic dance around the country.